1966 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,198 cc (3 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (54 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1966 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 469 kg more than 1966 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin A 40 | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 45 L |
