1960 Austin A 55 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Austin A 55 (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Austin A 55 weights approximately 207 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1960 Austin A 55 (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1960 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 55 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
