1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2001 Caterham Beaulieu
To start off, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is newer by 40 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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 595 kg more than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
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, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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 | 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 55 | Beaulieu |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 36 L |
