1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1986 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1986 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 27 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, 1959 Austin A 55 (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 55 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. 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, 1986 Fiat Ritmo, 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, 1986 Fiat Ritmo (87 Nm) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1986 Fiat Ritmo 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 | 1986 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 55 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1116 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2460 mm |
