1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1985 Ford Escort
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 30 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Escort weights approximately 25 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 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, 1985 Ford Escort, 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, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort 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 | 1985 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
