1952 Austin A 70 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lotus Elite is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Austin A 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 70 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 70. (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 70 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 70 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 67 L |
