1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 50 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), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 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 125 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 55 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
