1964 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1964 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Elise weights approximately 166 kg more than 1964 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin A 40. (82 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin A 40 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 44 L |
