1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 2,307 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 410 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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, 2009 Lotus Elise (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Lotus |
| Model | Sapphire | Elise |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
