1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Renault 4
To start off, 1989 Renault 4 is newer by 41 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, 1948 Austin A 40 (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1989 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin A 40 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1989 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 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 1948 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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 A 40 (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1948 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1989 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
