1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1977 Renault 12
To start off, 1977 Renault 12 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Renault 12 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Renault 12, 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, 1977 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1977 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 73.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 56 L |
