1971 Austin 3 vs. 1959 Austin A 55
To start off, 1971 Austin 3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1959 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1959 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | 3 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
