1995 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1960 Austin A 55
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 35 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 118 kg more than 1960 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1960 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 145 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
