1957 Austin A 55 vs. 1989 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1989 Ford Tempo is newer by 32 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Tempo (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Tempo weights approximately 95 kg more than 1957 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Ford Tempo, 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, 1989 Ford Tempo (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Tempo 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 | 1989 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2540 mm |
