1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Citroen C3
To start off, 2008 Citroen C3 is newer by 57 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 1,398 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Citroen C3 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen C3 weights approximately 157 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, 2008 Citroen C3, 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, 2008 Citroen C3 (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen C3 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 | 2008 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 45 L |
