1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1989 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Fiesta (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 137 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
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 Ford Fiesta, 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 Ford Fiesta (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 918 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2450 mm |
