1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2006 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2006 Ford Fiesta is newer by 45 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 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Fiesta (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fiesta 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 15 kg more than 2006 Ford Fiesta.
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, 2006 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2006 Ford Fiesta (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Fiesta 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 | 2006 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 55 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
