1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Austin A 55 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 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Renault 21 (142 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 55 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2820 mm |
