1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 24 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 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 758 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 55 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2900 mm |
