1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 57 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Austin A 55. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Audi A8 (550 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2012 Audi A8 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. 2012 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Austin | Audi |
| Model | A 55 | A8 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2992 mm |
