1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1956 Citroen 2CV
To start off, 1961 Austin A 40 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin A 40 (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1956 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1956 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1961 Austin A 40 (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1961 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1956 Citroen 2CV | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | 2CV |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 374 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 10 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 22 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 62 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 19 L |
