1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Megane (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Megane weights approximately 340 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Renault Megane (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 2003 Renault Megane has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Renault Megane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 2003 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 40 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
