1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 42 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 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (100 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 220 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
