1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1966 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1966 Pontiac GTO 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 6,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Pontiac GTO (366 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 280 kg more than 1961 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Pontiac GTO (575 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1966 Pontiac GTO 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 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 55 | GTO |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 6375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 366 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2930 mm |
