1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1990 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1961 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 55 | 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A 55 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
