1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Renault Megane
To start off, 1997 Renault Megane is newer by 45 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Megane (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Megane weights approximately 290 kg more than 1952 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Renault Megane, 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, 1997 Renault Megane (107 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Megane 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 | 1997 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2550 mm |
