1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Renault Megane
To start off, 1999 Renault Megane is newer by 43 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Renault Megane (104 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Megane weights approximately 212 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, 1999 Renault Megane, 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, 1999 Renault Megane (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Megane 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 | 1999 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 38 L |
