1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Renault 11
To start off, 1986 Renault 11 is newer by 25 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 11 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 11 (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 11 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 11 weights approximately 145 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, 1986 Renault 11, 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, 1986 Renault 11 (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 11 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 | 1986 Renault 11 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 11 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 34 L |
