1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 205 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1948 Austin A 40 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | A 40 | Esprit |
Year Released | 1948 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 172 HP |
Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 80 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1175 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2440 mm |