1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1999 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xsara is newer by 38 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 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Citroen Xsara (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 240 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, 1999 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1999 Citroen Xsara (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1999 Citroen Xsara 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 | 1999 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A 55 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2770 mm |
