1956 Austin A 30 vs. 1961 Austin A 55
To start off, 1961 Austin A 55 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin A 55 (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 55 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1956 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1961 Austin A 55 (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1961 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 30 | 1961 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 30 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
