1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1993 BMW 856
To start off, 1993 BMW 856 is newer by 38 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 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 810 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 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 | 1993 BMW 856 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 856 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5576 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2690 mm |
