1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 16 kg more than 1974 Renault 12.
Because 1950 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 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
