1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 42 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise 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 350 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise 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 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 55 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
