1971 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1956 Austin A 40
To start off, 1971 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 18 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Austin A 40 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 1956 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1971 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (83 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1956 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Alfasud | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1048 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
