1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1980 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1980 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 25 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 1,812 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Chrysler 1609 (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 45 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, 1980 Chrysler 1609 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Chrysler 1609 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 | 1980 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Austin | Chrysler |
| Model | A 55 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1812 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
