1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 40 weights approximately 214 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 38 L |
