1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1978 Triumph Spitfire 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Triumph Spitfire (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Austin | Triumph |
| Model | A 55 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2110 mm |
