1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Renault 5
To start off, 1988 Renault 5 is newer by 38 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1950 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 5 (45 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 5 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 255 kg more than 1988 Renault 5.
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, 1988 Renault 5, 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, both vehicles can yield 80 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1988 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 43 L |
