1957 Alpine A 108 vs. 1948 Austin 16
To start off, 1957 Alpine A 108 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Austin 16 (63 HP) has 14 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 108. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1948 Austin 16 should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin 16 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1957 Alpine A 108. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1948 Austin 16 (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 108. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1948 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 108 | 1948 Austin 16 | |
| Make | Alpine | Austin |
| Model | A 108 | 16 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 904 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 63 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2660 mm |
