1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1992 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1992 Renault Safrane is newer by 33 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 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Renault Safrane (98 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Renault Safrane weights approximately 650 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, 1992 Renault Safrane, 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, 1992 Renault Safrane (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1992 Renault Safrane 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 | 1992 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2770 mm |
