1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 Lotus Elan is newer by 39 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Lotus Elan weights approximately 30 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.
Because 1953 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1992 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Lotus Elan 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 | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2260 mm |
