1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Citroen Xsara (108 HP) has 73 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 457 kg more than 1958 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2005 Citroen Xsara (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 2005 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 108 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 54 L |
