1974 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1961 Austin A 40
To start off, 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 224 kg more than 1961 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, 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider (121 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm). This means 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1961 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Spider | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 64.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 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 | 2220 mm |
