1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1977 Volvo 343
To start off, 1977 Volvo 343 is newer by 18 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, 1977 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volvo 343 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 130 kg more than 1977 Volvo 343.
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, 1977 Volvo 343 (108 Nm) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1977 Volvo 343 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 | 1977 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 55 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
