1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 26 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 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1340 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.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Austin A 55. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | A 55 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 6210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 2395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3300 mm |
