1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 45 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Contour weights approximately 187 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, 2000 Ford Contour, 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, 2000 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour 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 | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
