1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta 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 190 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
