1958 MG MGA vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1958 MG MGA. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1958 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 12 kg more than 1958 MG MGA. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 MG MGA | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | MG | Lotus |
| Model | MGA | Elise |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 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 | 900 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2299 mm |
