1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 45 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Elise weights approximately 26 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise 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 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
