1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 1989 Renault 21 is newer by 39 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 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 10 kg more than 1989 Renault 21.
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, 1989 Renault 21, 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, 1989 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Renault 21 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 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
