1954 Austin A 55 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1252 kg more than 1954 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Austin A 55 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 1954 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 55 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
