1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1960 BMW 502
To start off, 1960 BMW 502 is newer by 5 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 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1960 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 BMW 502 (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 BMW 502 weights approximately 355 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1960 BMW 502 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 502 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2840 mm |
