1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 27 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 85 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel 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 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 31 L |
