1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort 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 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort 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 210 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
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 Ford Escort, 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 Ford Escort (110 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1986 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
