1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta 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 55 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta.
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, 1980 Lancia Beta, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | A 55 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2360 mm |
