1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1959 Ford 17M is newer by 4 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 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ford 17M (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford 17M should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 60 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, 1959 Ford 17M (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M 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 | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | 17M |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2610 mm |
