1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1996 Daihatsu Charade
To start off, 1996 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 41 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Daihatsu Charade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Daihatsu Charade (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Daihatsu Charade 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 180 kg more than 1996 Daihatsu Charade.
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, 1996 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 1996 Daihatsu Charade (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Daihatsu Charade 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 | 1996 Daihatsu Charade | |
| Make | Austin | Daihatsu |
| Model | A 55 | Charade |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2400 mm |
