1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 21 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 7,444 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1060 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado 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. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Austin | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A 55 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 7444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3110 mm |
