1972 Austin 2200 vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin 2200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin 2200 would be higher. At 2,227 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Austin 2200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1972 Austin 2200. (110 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin 2200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Austin 2200 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin 2200. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin 2200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin 2200 | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 2200 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2227 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1181 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 40 L |
