1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Citroen ZX
To start off, 1998 Citroen ZX is newer by 39 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), 1998 Citroen ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen ZX (74 HP) has 40 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen ZX should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen ZX weights approximately 260 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, 1998 Citroen ZX, 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, 1998 Citroen ZX (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Citroen ZX 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 | 1998 Citroen ZX | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | ZX |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
