1971 Austin 3 vs. 1962 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1971 Austin 3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP) has 40 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 830 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1962 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 3 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 29 L |
