1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Citroen XM
To start off, 1998 Citroen XM is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen XM (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen XM weights approximately 250 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Citroen XM, 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 Citroen XM (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1998 Citroen XM | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | XM |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
