1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Lotus M250
To start off, 1999 Lotus M250 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Lotus M250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus M250 (247 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus M250 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus M250 weights approximately 189 kg more than 1958 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, 1999 Lotus M250 (321 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus M250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1999 Lotus M250 | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | M250 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1180 mm |
