1954 Austin A 30 vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Elan weights approximately 340 kg more than 1954 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Austin A 30 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 1954 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
1954 Austin A 30 | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | A 30 | Elan |
Year Released | 1954 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 802 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 28 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 54 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2260 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 65 L |