1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1987 BMW Z1
To start off, 1987 BMW Z1 is newer by 32 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW Z1 weights approximately 195 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, 1987 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW Z1 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 | 1987 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 230 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 | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2450 mm |
