1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Citroen Xantia
To start off, 1996 Citroen Xantia is newer by 44 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 2,088 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Citroen Xantia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Citroen Xantia (108 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Citroen Xantia should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 445 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, 1996 Citroen Xantia, 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, 1996 Citroen Xantia (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Citroen Xantia 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 | 1996 Citroen Xantia | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | Xantia |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2750 mm |
