1960 Austin A 55 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 46 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 273 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
