2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1951 Austin A 40
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1951 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1951 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 159 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1951 |
| 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 | 197 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
