1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 13 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 1,583 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 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 80 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1600.
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, both vehicles can yield 110 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1968 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1583 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 |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
