1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Lotus Esprit is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 97 kg more than 1950 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1986 |
| 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 | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 31 L |
