1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 Austin A 90
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 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 90. (102 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 90 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1959 Austin A 90 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 90. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 90. (214 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 90. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 Austin A 90 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 156 | A 90 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
