1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Renault 19
To start off, 1988 Renault 19 is newer by 32 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 19 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 19 (88 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 19 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Renault 19, 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, 1988 Renault 19 (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 19 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 | 1988 Renault 19 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 19 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2560 mm |
