1955 Austin A 90 vs. 1978 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1978 GMC Suburban is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 GMC Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 90. (85 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Suburban weights approximately 880 kg more than 1955 Austin A 90. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Austin A 90. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 GMC Suburban 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, 1978 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 90. (168 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 90. 1978 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 90 | 1978 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Austin | GMC |
| Model | A 90 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3300 mm |
