1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 40 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen XM (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 340 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, 1989 Citroen XM, 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, 1989 Citroen XM (177 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen XM 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 | 1989 Citroen XM | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | XM |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2860 mm |
