1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 15 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin A 55 (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 1955 Austin A 55 (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
