1957 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1957 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 40 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A 40 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
