1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1967 Citroen DS
To start off, 1967 Citroen DS is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,175 cc (4 cylinders), 1967 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Citroen DS (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Citroen DS weights approximately 482 kg more than 1949 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 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 1949 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 Citroen DS, 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, 1967 Citroen DS (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1967 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 1967 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | DS |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 65 L |
