1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xsara is newer by 45 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Citroen Xsara (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xsara 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 1999 Citroen Xsara.
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, 1999 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1999 Citroen Xsara (113 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Citroen Xsara 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 | 1999 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 74.9 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 | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2550 mm |
