1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda
To start off, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda is newer by 14 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 3,686 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 285 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, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda (251 Nm) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1973 Plymouth Barracuda 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 | 1973 Plymouth Barracuda | |
| Make | Austin | Plymouth |
| Model | A 55 | Barracuda |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 3686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2760 mm |
