1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 43 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 90 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, 1998 Ford Laser, 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, 1998 Ford Laser (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1998 Ford Laser 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. 1998 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2650 mm |
