1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Renault Megane
To start off, 2001 Renault Megane is newer by 53 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 1,870 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Renault Megane (78 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Megane weights approximately 170 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. 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, 2001 Renault Megane, 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, 2001 Renault Megane (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2001 Renault Megane 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 | 2001 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2590 mm |
