1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1983 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1983 Peugeot 205 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 954 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Peugeot 205 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Peugeot 205 (44 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin A 40 weights approximately 16 kg more than 1983 Peugeot 205.
Because 1962 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 1962 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1962 Austin A 40 (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Peugeot 205. (67 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1962 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Peugeot 205.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin A 40 | 1983 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Austin | Peugeot |
| Model | A 40 | 205 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 67 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 62 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2430 mm |
