1972 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1956 Austin A 40
To start off, 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 16 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1972 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, 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider (121 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm). This means 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1956 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Spider | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
