1975 Austin 1800 vs. 1960 Austin A 55
To start off, 1975 Austin 1800 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Austin 1800 (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Austin 1800 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Austin 1800 weights approximately 68 kg more than 1960 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Austin 1800, 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, 1975 Austin 1800 (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1975 Austin 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Austin 1800 | 1960 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | 1800 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |
