1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 400 is newer by 20 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 710 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 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 | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Austin | Ferrari |
| Model | A 55 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 120 L |
