1959 Austin A 55 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1959 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Austin A 55 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 55. 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 (281 Nm) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 55 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A 55 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
