1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1961 Austin A 55
To start off, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 9 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 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 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 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 55 weights approximately 130 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1961 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Spider | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 45 L |
