1951 Austin A vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 61 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Exige weights approximately 257 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.
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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A | Exige |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 44 L |
