1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1951 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 166 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A 40 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2600 mm |
