1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 Renault Megane
To start off, 2011 Renault Megane is newer by 57 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Renault Megane (112 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Renault Megane weights approximately 400 kg more than 1954 Austin A 40. 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, 2011 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, 2011 Renault Megane (152 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 2011 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
