1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2005 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2005 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 50 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 2,186 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Vel Satis (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 650 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, 2005 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2005 Renault Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2005 Renault Vel Satis 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. 2005 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2005 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | A 55 | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2750 mm |
