1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 245 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1955 Austin A 55 (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Austin A 55 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 55 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1955 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |