1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2008 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2008 Fiat Panda is newer by 47 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, 2008 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Panda 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 260 kg more than 2008 Fiat Panda.
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, 2008 Fiat Panda, 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, 1961 Austin A 55 (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1961 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 55 | 2008 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 55 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 35 L |
