1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 455 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.
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, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Austin | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A 55 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2830 mm |
