1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 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 1948 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A 40 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 51 L |
