1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 54 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 40 weights approximately 82 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise 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 | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
