1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Parati 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 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Parati is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Parati (91 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Parati 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 80 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Parati.
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 Volkswagen Parati, 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 Volkswagen Parati (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Parati 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 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Parati |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2480 mm |
