1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1954 Austin A 40
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (102 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1954 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (261 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1954 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 146 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 54 L |
