1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1961 Austin A 40 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite.
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, 1958 Lotus Elite (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1958 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 29 L |
