1960 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Lotus Esprit is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 251 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40.
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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 442 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 40 | 1996 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 285 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2420 mm |
