1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 40 weights approximately 192 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2003 |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 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 | 972 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 36 L |
