1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 72 kg more than 1953 Austin A 40. 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 67 L |
