1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 1960 Austin A 55
To start off, 1981 Alpine A 310 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alpine A 310 (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Austin A 55 weights approximately 142 kg more than 1981 Alpine A 310.
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 Alpine A 310 (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1981 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 1960 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alpine | Austin |
| Model | A 310 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
