1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 34 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 1,904 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen XM (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 327 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, 1989 Citroen XM, 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, 1989 Citroen XM (177 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen XM 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 | 1989 Citroen XM | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 55 | XM |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1904 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2860 mm |
