1972 AMC Matador vs. 1955 Austin A 55
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 545 kg more than 1955 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, 1972 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 55 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1955 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | AMC | Austin |
| Model | Matador | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2530 mm |
