1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Renault Siete
To start off, 1974 Renault Siete is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,037 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault Siete is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault Siete (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault Siete should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault Siete weights approximately 56 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault Siete, 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, 1974 Renault Siete (72 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Renault Siete will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 40 | 1974 Renault Siete | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Siete |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1037 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 816 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2540 mm |
