1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1994 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 39 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 2,658 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1994 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | 100 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 267 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 72 L |
