1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 64 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | 100 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2310 mm |
