1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1961 Austin A
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1961 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Austin A 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 1961 Austin A. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1961 Austin A | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 164 | A |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
