1952 Austin A vs. 2010 Alpina B5
To start off, 2010 Alpina B5 is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1952 Austin A. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A weights approximately 165 kg more than 2010 Alpina B5.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2010 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A. (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A | 2010 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Austin | Alpina |
| Model | A | B5 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
