1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1956 Austin A 40
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Austin A 40 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 1956 Austin A 40. 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 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1956 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 164 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 7.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
