1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 569 kg more than 1961 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
