1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1973 Citroen GS
To start off, 1973 Citroen GS is newer by 18 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 1,990 cc (2 cylinders), 1973 Citroen GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen GS (106 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen GS should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen GS weights approximately 115 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.
Because 1955 Austin A 55 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Citroen GS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1973 Citroen GS (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen GS 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 | 1973 Citroen GS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 55 | GS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2560 mm |
