1958 Austin A135 vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Austin A135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1958 Austin A135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A135 weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1958 Austin A135 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Austin A135. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1958 Austin A135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1958 Austin A135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Austin A135 | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | A135 | Elan |
Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 308 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 8.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2260 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 65 L |