1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1959 Austin A 40
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 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 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1959 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 164 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 26 L |
