1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 1955 Austin A 55 (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 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 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 55 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
