1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1955 Austin A 55
To start off, 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (121 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1955 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Alfasud | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2530 mm |
