1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1959 Austin A 55
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 55 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Because 1959 Austin A 55 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 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (111 Nm) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1959 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Alfasud | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
