1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1998 Citroen Xsara is newer by 37 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 1,904 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Citroen Xsara (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 430 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, 1998 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, 1998 Citroen Xsara (201 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Citroen Xsara 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 | 1998 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1904 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2550 mm |
