1962 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 46 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 558 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 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1900 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 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
