2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 would be higher. At 2,911 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 472 kg more than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 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 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin-Healey |
| Model | 159 | 3000 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1143 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
