2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1950 Austin A 40
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 55 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 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 520 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1950 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 159 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1950 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
