1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1996 Donkervoort D8
To start off, 1996 Donkervoort D8 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Donkervoort D8 (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Donkervoort D8 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 405 kg more than 1996 Donkervoort D8.
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, 1996 Donkervoort D8 (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Donkervoort D8 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 Donkervoort D8 | |
| Make | Austin | Donkervoort |
| Model | A 55 | D8 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
