1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1978 Renault 18 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 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 18 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 18 weights approximately 12 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, 1978 Renault 18, 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, 1978 Renault 18 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 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 Renault 18 | |
Make | Austin | Renault |
Model | A 55 | 18 |
Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 160 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1067 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2470 mm |