1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1988 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1988 Ford Tempo is newer by 29 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Tempo (97 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Tempo weights approximately 30 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.
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, 1988 Ford Tempo, 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, 1988 Ford Tempo (175 Nm) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1988 Ford Tempo 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 | 1988 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2540 mm |
