1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2012 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2012 Opel Insignia 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Opel Insignia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Insignia (177 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Insignia should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55.
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 Opel Insignia, 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, 2012 Opel Insignia (230 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Insignia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2012 Opel Insignia 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 Opel Insignia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2012 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 55 | Insignia |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2737 mm |
