1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1961 Austin A 40
To start off, 1961 Austin A 40 is newer by 6 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 15 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1961 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 55 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2220 mm |
