1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat 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 226 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1959 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 1959 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (95 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1973 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 55 | Passat |
Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 54 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 68 Nm | 95 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 894 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2480 mm |