1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1985 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1985 Peugeot 309 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Peugeot 309 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Peugeot 309 (63 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Peugeot 309 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 106 kg more than 1985 Peugeot 309.
Because 1950 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 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Peugeot 309, 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, 1985 Peugeot 309 (109 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1985 Peugeot 309 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1985 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | A 40 | 309 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 73.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 864 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
