1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 17 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 555 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Austin | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A 55 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2960 mm |
