1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1990 Volvo 480
To start off, 1990 Volvo 480 is newer by 35 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 480 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 55 kg more than 1990 Volvo 480.
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, 1990 Volvo 480, 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, 1990 Volvo 480 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 480 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 | 1990 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 55 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
