1959 Austin A 135 vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 135 weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Because 1959 Austin A 135 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 1959 Austin A 135. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1959 Austin A 135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1959 Austin A 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 135 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 135 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1994 |
| 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 | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| 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 |
