1961 Austin A 99 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 99 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Austin A 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 99. (107 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 99 weights approximately 463 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
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, both vehicles can yield 221 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 99 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 99 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 31 L |
