1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1972 Citroen SM
To start off, 1972 Citroen SM is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,669 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen SM (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 450 kg more than 1952 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 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 1952 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM, 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, 1972 Citroen SM (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1972 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | SM |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 2669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2960 mm |
