1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1957 Riley 2.6
To start off, 1957 Riley 2.6 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Riley 2.6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Riley 2.6 (101 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Riley 2.6 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Riley 2.6 weights approximately 585 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, 1957 Riley 2.6 (194 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1957 Riley 2.6 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 | 1957 Riley 2.6 | |
| Make | Austin | Riley |
| Model | A 55 | 2.6 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2890 mm |
