1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 Citroen BX
To start off, 1984 Citroen BX is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,360 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Citroen BX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Citroen BX (61 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Citroen BX should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Citroen BX weights approximately 130 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Citroen BX, 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, 1984 Citroen BX (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 Citroen BX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 40 | 1984 Citroen BX | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | BX |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 61 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 80 L |
