2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1954 Austin A 40
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 452 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B5 weights approximately 694 kg more than 1954 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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. 2008 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 1954 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alpina | Austin |
| Model | B5 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
