1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1969 Renault 12 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,565 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Renault 12 (113 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1969 Renault 12.
Because 1956 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 1956 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1969 Renault 12 (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1969 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 930 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 | 89 L |
