1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 40 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 2,317 cc (5 cylinders), 1995 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 850 (251 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 850 weights approximately 490 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, 1995 Volvo 850, 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, 1995 Volvo 850 (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1995 Volvo 850 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 | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 55 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2317 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
