1961 Austin A vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A would be higher. At 1,712 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1961 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Austin A 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. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Austin | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A | 146 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
