1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 655 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 Mercury Grand Marquis (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | A 55 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2910 mm |
