1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 34 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 274 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 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 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 55 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2460 mm |
