1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2003 Peugeot 406 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Peugeot 406 (136 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 371 kg more than 1953 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 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 1953 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Peugeot 406, 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, 2003 Peugeot 406 (197 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 2003 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | A 40 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
