2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1955 Austin A 40
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 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 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1955 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 159 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 7.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
