1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1964 Renault 8
To start off, 1964 Renault 8 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Renault 8 (95 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Renault 8 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin A 40 weights approximately 117 kg more than 1964 Renault 8.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1964 Renault 8 (99 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1964 Renault 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1964 Renault 8 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 8 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 853 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2280 mm |
