1960 Austin A 55 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 37 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 192 kg more than 1960 Austin A 55. 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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
1960 Austin A 55 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Austin | Ford |
Model | A 55 | Contour |
Year Released | 1960 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 111 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1314 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |