1947 Austin 16 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1947 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1947 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1947 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1947 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1947 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1947 Austin 16 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1947 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1947 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1947 Austin 16 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 16 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1947 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 71 L |
