1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1952 Austin A 40
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 28 kg more than 1952 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, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1952 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | Spider | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2360 mm |
