1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 60 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 1,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (405 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 367 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 911 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4750 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 | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 86 L |
