1953 Austin A 30 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1968 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Lotus Elan weights approximately 170 kg more than 1953 Austin A 30. 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 30 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 30 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 72.8 mm |
| 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 | 680 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
