1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 51 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 761 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.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 55 L |
