1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1974 Lotus Eclat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 110 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | 100 | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 67 L |
