1960 Austin A 55 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Austin A 55 weights approximately 213 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 55 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 55 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 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 | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
