1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 661 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, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 Sharan (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2840 mm |
