1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 1989 Renault 21 is newer by 28 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Renault 21 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 21 weights approximately 490 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 1989 Renault 21 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Renault 21 (169 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Renault 21 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 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2820 mm |
