1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1997 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 38 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 561 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, 1997 Buick Riviera, 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (364 Nm) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1997 Buick Riviera 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 | 1997 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 55 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 88 L |
