1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1999 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 1999 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 40 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 180 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, 1999 Jensen SV-8 (439 Nm) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1999 Jensen SV-8 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 | 1999 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Austin | Jensen |
| Model | A 55 | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
