1961 Austin A vs. 1978 Peugeot 305
To start off, 1978 Peugeot 305 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A would be higher. At 1,548 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Peugeot 305 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Peugeot 305 (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Peugeot 305 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A weights approximately 170 kg more than 1978 Peugeot 305.
Because 1961 Austin A 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. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Peugeot 305, 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, 1978 Peugeot 305 (132 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1978 Peugeot 305 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 1978 Peugeot 305 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | A | 305 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2750 mm |
