1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1964 Citroen DS
To start off, 1964 Citroen DS is newer by 8 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 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Citroen DS (82 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Citroen DS weights approximately 125 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. 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, 1964 Citroen DS, 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, 1964 Citroen DS (144 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1964 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1964 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | DS |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 85.4 mm |
| 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 65 L |
