1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Austin A 135
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Austin A 135 (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin A 135 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 135 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Austin A 135 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 135. 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, 1959 Austin A 135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Austin A 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Austin A 135 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 156 | A 135 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 308 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 2080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3100 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 34 L |
