1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1998 Peugeot 406 is newer by 44 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Peugeot 406 (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 314 kg more than 1954 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 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, 1998 Peugeot 406 (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 Peugeot 406 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 | 1998 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | A 40 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
