1971 Austin 3 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 594 kg more than 2005 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2310 mm |
