1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta 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 84 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
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, 1979 Lancia Beta, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (134 Nm) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1979 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | A 55 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
