2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1958 Austin A 40
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 554 kg more than 1958 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 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 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1958 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 156 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 113 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 761 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 26 L |
