1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 65 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 55 | Santana |
Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
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 | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 125 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2560 mm |