1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1963 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1963 Buick Riviera is newer by 8 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Buick Riviera (321 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 805 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, 1963 Buick Riviera (603 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 493 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1963 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 55 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1963 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 55 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 6571 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3030 mm |
