2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1955 Austin A 55
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 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 (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 55. 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1955 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 156 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2530 mm |
