1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 26 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 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 242 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 55 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
