1957 Alpine A 108 vs. 1962 Austin A 40
To start off, 1962 Austin A 40 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Alpine A 108 (49 HP) has 13 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Alpine A 108 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin A 40 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1957 Alpine A 108.
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, both vehicles can yield 68 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 108 | 1962 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alpine | Austin |
| Model | A 108 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 904 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 36 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 64.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2220 mm |
