1957 Austin A 55 vs. 1981 Austin Maxi
To start off, 1981 Austin Maxi is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Austin Maxi (91 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin A 55 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1981 Austin Maxi.
Because 1957 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 1957 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Austin Maxi, 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, 1981 Austin Maxi (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Austin Maxi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 55 | 1981 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 55 | Maxi |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
