1951 Austin A vs. 1960 Citroen DS
To start off, 1960 Citroen DS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Citroen DS (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Citroen DS weights approximately 440 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 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. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1960 Citroen DS (137 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1960 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 1960 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A | DS |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
