1960 Austin A 55 vs. 2003 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 43 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lancia Thesis (169 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 558 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, 2003 Lancia Thesis, 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 Lancia Thesis (226 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2003 Lancia Thesis 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 | 2003 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | A 55 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| 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 | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 47 L |
