1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1959 Austin A 40
To start off, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 280 kg more than 1959 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, 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1959 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Spider | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2130 mm |
