1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1974 Chrysler 160
To start off, 1974 Chrysler 160 is newer by 13 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 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Chrysler 160 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chrysler 160 (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chrysler 160 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 55 kg more than 1974 Chrysler 160.
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, 1974 Chrysler 160 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1974 Chrysler 160 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 | 1974 Chrysler 160 | |
| Make | Austin | Chrysler |
| Model | A 55 | 160 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2680 mm |
