1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 40 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1986 Renault 21.
Because 1952 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 1952 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 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 176 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
