1959 Austin A 135 vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 45 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit 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 700 kg more than 2004 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 135. (308 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 135.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 135 | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 135 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
