1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 55 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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, 2009 Lotus Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Austin A 55 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | A 55 | Elise |
Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 186 HP |
Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 111 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 785 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3800 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 38 L |