1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1989 Daihatsu Charade
To start off, 1989 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 30 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, 1989 Daihatsu Charade (90 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Daihatsu Charade 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 312 kg more than 1989 Daihatsu Charade.
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, 1989 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 1989 Daihatsu Charade (101 Nm) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1989 Daihatsu Charade 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 | 1989 Daihatsu Charade | |
| Make | Austin | Daihatsu |
| Model | A 55 | Charade |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 71.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 808 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2350 mm |
