1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1972 Fiat 124
To start off, 1972 Fiat 124 is newer by 13 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 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 55 weights approximately 154 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1972 Fiat 124 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 | 1972 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 55 | 124 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
