1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 835 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 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari 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. 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 55 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2950 mm |
