1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1987 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1987 Peugeot 205 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,905 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Peugeot 205 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Peugeot 205 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Peugeot 205 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. 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, 1987 Peugeot 205, 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, 1987 Peugeot 205 (162 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Peugeot 205 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1987 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | A 40 | 205 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
