1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 65 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 350 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 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 1948 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1948 Austin A 40 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 40 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1948 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 80 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |