1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1986 Ford Orion
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Orion (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion 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 125 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion.
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, 1986 Ford Orion, 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, 1986 Ford Orion (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1986 Ford Orion 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. 1986 Ford Orion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1986 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Orion |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| 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 | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
