1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1971 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 55 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 55 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 55 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
