1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1965 Citroen DS
To start off, 1965 Citroen DS is newer by 10 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 2,175 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Citroen DS (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Citroen DS weights approximately 395 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.
Because 1955 Austin A 55 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Citroen DS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1965 Citroen DS (178 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1965 Citroen DS 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 | 1965 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 55 | DS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3140 mm |
