1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1959 Austin A 40
To start off, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 15 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 1,186 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (61 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud weights approximately 100 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.
Because 1959 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 1959 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1959 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Alfasud | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 26 L |
