1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 36 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 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 80 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 608 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
