1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 29 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Elan weights approximately 260 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.
Because 1961 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan 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 | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2260 mm |
