1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Polo (49 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1961 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Volkswagen Polo (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 35 L |
