1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 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 9 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323.
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 Mazda 323, 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 Mazda 323 (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 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 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 55 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
