1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 59 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise 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 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 40 L |
