1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 49 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 135 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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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, 2004 Ford Focus (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus 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 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2620 mm |
