1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1989 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1989 Ferrari 208 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 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 110 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, 1989 Ferrari 208 (328 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1989 Ferrari 208 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 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Austin | Ferrari |
| Model | A 55 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 120 L |
