1983 Austin Ambassador vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1983 Austin Ambassador is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1983 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 611 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Austin Ambassador, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Ambassador | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Ambassador | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2140 mm |
