1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Citroen C3
To start off, 2003 Citroen C3 is newer by 47 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 1,628 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Citroen C3 (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Citroen C3 weights approximately 145 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, 2003 Citroen C3, 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, 2003 Citroen C3 (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Citroen C3 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 | 2003 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1628 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
