1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1999 Renault Safrane is newer by 47 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Renault Safrane (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Safrane weights approximately 525 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, 1999 Renault Safrane, 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, 1999 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Safrane 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 | 1999 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2770 mm |
