1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2006 Lotus Exige is newer by 51 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 114 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Lotus Exige (172 Nm @ 6750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| 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 | 1030 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 44 L |
