1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 434 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 635 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 458 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 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 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Austin | Ferrari |
| Model | A 55 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2460 mm |
