1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 205 is newer by 37 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 1,580 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Peugeot 205 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Peugeot 205 (115 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 40 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1986 Peugeot 205.
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, 1986 Peugeot 205, 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, 1986 Peugeot 205 (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1986 Peugeot 205 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 | 1986 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | A 40 | 205 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1390 mm |
