1962 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 589 kg more than 1962 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (285 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin A 40 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1349 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
