1959 Austin A 55 vs. 2003 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 44 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, 2003 Fiat Panda (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda 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 259 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda.
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, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 2003 Fiat Panda (144 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 2003 Fiat Panda 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 | 2003 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 55 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1251 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 861 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 35 L |
