1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1967 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1967 Riley Kestrel is newer by 12 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, 1967 Riley Kestrel (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Riley Kestrel 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 167 kg more than 1967 Riley Kestrel.
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, 1967 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1955 Austin A 55 (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1967 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Austin | Riley |
| Model | A 55 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1967 |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 888 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2380 mm |
