1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 36 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 219 kg more than 1959 Austin A 55. 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 55 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 73 L |
