1971 Austin 3 vs. 2007 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 36 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, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 574 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige.
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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2007 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 3 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| 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 | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| 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 | 1490 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |
