1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A 40 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
