1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (175 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 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 (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 40 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A 40 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
