1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 40 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 36 L |
