2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1948 Austin A 40
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 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 1948 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1948 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 156 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 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 | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
