1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 145 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 609 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 55 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2550 mm |
