1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 33 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 405 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 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 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2770 mm |
