1959 Ford Consul vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1959 Ford Consul. (51 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Consul weights approximately 138 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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 Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Consul. (127 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Consul | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Consul | Exige |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 44 L |
