1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1958 Ford Popular
To start off, 1958 Ford Popular is newer by 3 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 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 25 more horse power than 1958 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1958 Ford Popular. 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1958 Ford Popular | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Popular |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2300 mm |
