1948 Austin 16 vs. 1976 Renault 4
To start off, 1976 Renault 4 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Austin 16 (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1976 Renault 4. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Austin 16 should accelerate faster than 1976 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin 16 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1976 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 Austin 16 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 1948 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Renault 4, 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, 1948 Austin 16 (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1948 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin 16 | 1976 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | 16 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 38 L |
