1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Peugeot 306
To start off, 1996 Peugeot 306 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,360 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Peugeot 306 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Peugeot 306 (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Peugeot 306 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Peugeot 306.
Because 1954 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 1954 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Peugeot 306, 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 Peugeot 306 (112 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Peugeot 306 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1996 Peugeot 306 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | A 40 | 306 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
