1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 131 (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 50 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, 1981 Fiat 131 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 131 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 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 55 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2500 mm |
