1962 Austin A 40 vs. 2010 Alpina B5
To start off, 2010 Alpina B5 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 457 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alpina B5 weights approximately 1050 kg more than 1962 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2010 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 632 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin A 40 | 2010 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Austin | Alpina |
| Model | A 40 | B5 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
