1965 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1965 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 487 kg more than 1965 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin A 40 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
