1985 Austin Montego vs. 1998 Lotus 340 R
To start off, 1998 Lotus 340 R is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Austin Montego would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus 340 R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus 340 R (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1985 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus 340 R should accelerate faster than 1985 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Austin Montego weights approximately 435 kg more than 1998 Lotus 340 R.
Because 1998 Lotus 340 R 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 1998 Lotus 340 R. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Austin Montego, 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, 1998 Lotus 340 R (198 Nm) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Austin Montego. (134 Nm). This means 1998 Lotus 340 R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Austin Montego | 1998 Lotus 340 R | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Montego | 340 R |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2320 mm |
