1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1980 Renault 12 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 40 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1980 Renault 12.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 56 L |
