1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1971 Austin 3
To start off, 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 596 kg more than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Austin 3 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 1971 Austin 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1971 Austin 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Alfasud | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 2910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
