1991 Alpina B vs. 1957 Austin A 55
To start off, 1991 Alpina B is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 5,646 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 Alpina B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Alpina B (410 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Alpina B should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Alpina B weights approximately 811 kg more than 1957 Austin A 55. 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, 1991 Alpina B (570 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1991 Alpina B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Alpina B | 1957 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alpina | Austin |
| Model | B | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1957 |
| Engine Size | 5646 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1866 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2530 mm |
