1971 Austin 3 vs. 1949 Citroen 15
To start off, 1971 Austin 3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Citroen 15. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Citroen 15 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1949 Citroen 15. (76 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1949 Citroen 15. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 164 kg more than 1949 Citroen 15. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Austin 3 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 1971 Austin 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1949 Citroen 15, 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Citroen 15. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Citroen 15.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1949 Citroen 15 | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | 3 | 15 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2867 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3100 mm |
