1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, both 1955 Austin A 55 and 1955 Oldsmobile 88 were released in the same year (1955). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. 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 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Austin | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A 55 | 88 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3110 mm |
