1961 Austin A vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A would be higher. At 1,994 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A weights approximately 70 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1961 Austin A 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. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2560 mm |
