1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1988 Toyota Carina is newer by 27 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Carina (158 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina 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 88 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Because 1961 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 1961 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina, 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, 1988 Toyota Carina (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Carina 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 | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Austin | Toyota |
| Model | A 55 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1320 mm |
