1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 56 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 146 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 55 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2299 mm |
