2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1950 Austin A 40
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (113 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1950 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 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 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (289 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1950 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 156 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1950 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 34 L |
