1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Smart ForTwo (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2012 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | A 55 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
