1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Opel Kadett is newer by 19 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, 1978 Opel Kadett (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Kadett 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 300 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett.
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, 1978 Opel Kadett (90 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1978 Opel Kadett 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 | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 55 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 43 L |
