1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 62 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige 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 61 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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, 2011 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige 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 | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 6000 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 | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 44 L |
