1945 Austin 16 vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1945 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1945 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1945 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1945 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1945 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1945 Austin 16 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Because 1945 Austin 16 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 1945 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan, 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, 1994 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1945 Austin 16. (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1945 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1945 Austin 16 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 16 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1945 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2260 mm |
