1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1961 Renault 4
To start off, 1961 Renault 4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin A 40 (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1961 Renault 4. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1961 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1961 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Renault 4, 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, 1954 Austin A 40 (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Renault 4. (51 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1954 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1961 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 51 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 34 L |
