2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1953 Austin-Healey 100
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 444 kg more than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Austin-Healey 100 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 1953 Austin-Healey 100. 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 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 156 | 100 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2660 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 948 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
