1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1950 Austin A 40
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 354 kg more than 1950 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 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 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1950 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 156 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1950 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 34 L |
