1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1995 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1995 Peugeot 406 is newer by 39 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 2,087 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Peugeot 406 (108 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 460 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, 1995 Peugeot 406, 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, 1995 Peugeot 406 (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Peugeot 406 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 | 1995 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | A 40 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2087 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
