1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1955 Austin A 55
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 55. 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 (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1955 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 156 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2530 mm |
