1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Austin A 55 (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 55 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 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, 1984 Volkswagen Passat (101 Nm) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1984 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
