1966 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 45 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1966 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin A 40.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
