1953 Austin A 30 vs. 1970 Citroen DS
To start off, 1970 Citroen DS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Citroen DS (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Citroen DS weights approximately 530 kg more than 1953 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Austin A 30 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 1953 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 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, 1970 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1970 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 30 | 1970 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 30 | DS |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 3130 mm |
