1959 Austin A 55 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 45 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 236 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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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, 2004 Ford Focus (178 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Focus 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 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
