1948 Austin A 90 vs. 1971 Renault 12
To start off, 1971 Renault 12 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Austin A 90 (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Austin A 90 should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin A 90 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1971 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 Austin A 90 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 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Renault 12, 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 90 (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1948 Austin A 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 90 | 1971 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 90 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 56 L |
