1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1955 Austin A 55
To start off, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider (138 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1955 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Spider | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
