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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 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 420 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 (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 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 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
