1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1986 Donkervoort S8
To start off, 1986 Donkervoort S8 is newer by 31 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Donkervoort S8 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Donkervoort S8 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 380 kg more than 1986 Donkervoort S8.
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, 1986 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Donkervoort S8 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 | 1986 Donkervoort S8 | |
| Make | Austin | Donkervoort |
| Model | A 55 | S8 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1110 mm |
