1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 48 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), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige 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 275 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige 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 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 55 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2003 |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 168 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
