1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 23 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 13 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm). This means 1978 Lancia Beta 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 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | A 55 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
