1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Firebird 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 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 695 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 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 453 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 55 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2750 mm |
