1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1989 Volvo 460
To start off, 1989 Volvo 460 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 460 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 460 (110 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 460 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 66 kg more than 1989 Volvo 460.
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 Volvo 460, 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 Volvo 460 (165 Nm) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1989 Volvo 460 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 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 55 | 460 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1054 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
