1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 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), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 37 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 31 L |
