1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1962 Lotus Elan is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Fiat 500 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Fiat 500 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 52 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2140 mm |
