1955 Austin A 90 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin A 90 (85 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin A 90 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 90 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Austin A 90 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 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat, 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 90 (168 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 90 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 90 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2400 mm |
