1951 Austin A 90 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1951 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 90 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1951 Austin A 90 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1951 Austin A 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 90 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 90 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2260 mm |
