1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 Renault Megane
To start off, 2006 Renault Megane is newer by 58 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Renault Megane (111 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Megane weights approximately 750 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, 2006 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, 2006 Renault Megane (152 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
