1957 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin A 40 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 40 | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 5000 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 36 L |
