1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1966 Saab 96
To start off, 1966 Saab 96 is newer by 11 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Saab 96 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Saab 96 (64 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Saab 96 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 182 kg more than 1966 Saab 96.
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, 1966 Saab 96, 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, 1966 Saab 96 (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1966 Saab 96 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 | 1966 Saab 96 | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | A 55 | 96 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 873 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2500 mm |
