1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Citroen GS
To start off, 1974 Citroen GS is newer by 26 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen GS (55 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin A 40 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS.
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, 1974 Citroen GS, 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, 1948 Austin A 40 (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1948 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1974 Citroen GS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | GS |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 59 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 43 L |
