1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 56 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise 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 215 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
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, 2008 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise 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 | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
