1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 49 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), 2004 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise 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 280 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise 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 | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2004 |
| 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 | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
