1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1977 Mazda 323
To start off, 1977 Mazda 323 is newer by 22 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin A 55 (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 323. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 243 kg more than 1977 Mazda 323. 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, 1955 Austin A 55 (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 323. (69 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1977 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 55 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2320 mm |
