1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1980 Lotus Eclat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 74 kg more than 1954 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, 1980 Lotus Eclat (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1980 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 67 L |
