1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1959 Citroen DS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Citroen DS (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Citroen DS weights approximately 350 kg more than 1951 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1959 Citroen DS (137 Nm) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm). This means 1959 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | DS |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1320 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 | 63 L |
