1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 180 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 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am 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 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 55 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2630 mm |
