1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2011 Audi A8
To start off, 2011 Audi A8 is newer by 50 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 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A8 weights approximately 900 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 2011 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Austin A 55. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Audi A8 (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A8 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 | 2011 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Austin | Audi |
| Model | A 55 | A8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5268 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3122 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
