1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 40 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1973 Renault 12.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12, 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, 1973 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 56 L |
