1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 780 kg more than 1959 Austin A 55. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm) has 577 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 55 | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 55 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 106.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 99.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 75 L |
