1951 Austin A vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Lotus Elan is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Elan weights approximately 335 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 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. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A | Elan |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2260 mm |
