1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1971 Jensen SP
To start off, 1971 Jensen SP is newer by 16 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 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen SP is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jensen SP (385 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 334 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jensen SP should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen SP weights approximately 728 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, 1971 Jensen SP (557 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 447 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Jensen SP will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1971 Jensen SP has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 55 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Jensen SP will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1971 Jensen SP | |
| Make | Austin | Jensen |
| Model | A 55 | SP |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 7206 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 557 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1783 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
