1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Fusca is newer by 35 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 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Fusca is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Fusca (52 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Fusca should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Fusca weights approximately 60 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Volkswagen Fusca (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Fusca 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 | 1996 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2410 mm |
