1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 20 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 Mazda 323, 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 Mazda 323 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 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 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 55 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2620 mm |
