1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Citroen CX
To start off, 1978 Citroen CX is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,905 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Citroen CX (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Citroen CX weights approximately 235 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen CX, 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 Citroen CX (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1978 Citroen CX | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 40 | CX |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
