1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1966 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1966 Opel Rekord is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,696 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Opel Rekord (59 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 55 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1966 Opel Rekord.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1966 Opel Rekord (118 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1966 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 55 | 1966 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 55 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
