1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1962 Lotus Elan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Austin A 40 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | A 40 | Elan |
Year Released | 1956 | 1962 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 49 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 100 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 45 L |