1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1955 Austin A 55
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 23 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 304 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1978 AMC Pacer 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. 1978 AMC Pacer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1955 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | AMC | Austin |
| Model | Pacer | A 55 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2530 mm |
