1960 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 49 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 25 kg more than 1960 Austin A 40. 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise 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 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 38 L |
