1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 35 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 2,067 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (87 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1951 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 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, 1986 Renault 21 (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 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 | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2067 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 89 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 | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
