2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1962 Austin A 99
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin A 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin A 99 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Austin A 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 99. (110 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1962 Austin A 99. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Austin A 99 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 1962 Austin A 99. 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 99. (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin A 99.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1962 Austin A 99 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 159 | A 99 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 162 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 34 L |
