1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 12 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 55 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2490 mm |
