1955 Austin A 30 vs. 1974 Citroen GS
To start off, 1974 Citroen GS is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,220 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen GS (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen GS weights approximately 262 kg more than 1955 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS, 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, 1974 Citroen GS (87 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 30. 1974 Citroen GS has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 30 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 30 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Citroen GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 30 | 1974 Citroen GS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 30 | GS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 65.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 43 L |
