1953 Austin A 70 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin A 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 70 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1953 Austin A 70 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 70. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 70. (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 70 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 70 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2260 mm |
