1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 2,309 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 574 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Lotus |
| Model | Sapphire | Elise |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2309 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
