1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 411 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 1,678 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 411 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen 411 (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen 411 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 411 weights approximately 25 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.
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, 1970 Volkswagen 411 (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 411 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 | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | 411 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
