1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1975 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1975 Ferrari 308 is newer by 20 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 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 310 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, 1975 Ferrari 308 (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1975 Ferrari 308 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 | 1975 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Austin | Ferrari |
| Model | A 55 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2560 mm |
