1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 54 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 256 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, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Focus (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2620 mm |
