1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1959 Citroen 2CV
To start off, 1959 Citroen 2CV is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Austin A 40 (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (13 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1956 Austin A 40 (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (24 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1959 Citroen 2CV | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | 2CV |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 425 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 13 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 24 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 62 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 19 L |
