1971 Austin 3 vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1978 Renault 4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 830 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Austin 3 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 1971 Austin 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | 3 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 38 L |
