1955 Austin A 135 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 135. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 135 weights approximately 938 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1955 Austin A 135 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 1955 Austin A 135. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1955 Austin A 135 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 135 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 135 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 135 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2710 mm |
