1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1995 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 34 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 90 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.
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, 1995 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1995 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1995 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1995 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
