1954 Austin A 30 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 105 kg more than 1954 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 30 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | A 30 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 38 L |
