1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 51 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 449 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 1020 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 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Austin A 55. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 588 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 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 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Austin | Alpina |
| Model | A 55 | B7 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 82 L |
