1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Renault Megane
To start off, 1999 Renault Megane is newer by 40 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Renault Megane (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Megane weights approximately 460 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, 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 (203 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Megane 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 | 1999 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2480 mm |
