1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1964 Lotus Elan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan.
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, 1964 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1964 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Austin A 55 | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | A 55 | Elan |
Year Released | 1955 | 1964 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2140 mm |