1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1959 Austin A 55
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1959 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 166 (187 Nm) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1959 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 166 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 45 L |
