1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1955 Austin A 55
To start off, 1955 Austin A 55 is newer by 1 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin A 55 (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 25 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. Let's talk about torque, 1955 Austin A 55 (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1955 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 40 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2530 mm |
