1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1955 Austin A 55
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 32 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 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (175 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1955 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 164 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2530 mm |
