1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 48 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Fiat 500 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
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 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| 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 | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
