1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1956 MG MGA
To start off, 1958 Lotus Elite is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 MG MGA (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 MG MGA weights approximately 320 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. 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, 1956 MG MGA (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1956 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Lotus Elite | 1956 MG MGA | |
Make | Lotus | MG |
Model | Elite | MGA |
Year Released | 1958 | 1956 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 71 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 105 Nm | 149 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2390 mm |