1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1987 Renault 21
To start off, 1987 Renault 21 is newer by 32 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Renault 21 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 Renault 21, 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, 1987 Renault 21 (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Renault 21 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 | 1987 Renault 21 | |
Make | Austin | Renault |
Model | A 40 | 21 |
Year Released | 1955 | 1987 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 41 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 79 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
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 | 1190 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4650 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2610 mm |