1948 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 55 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), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Fiat 500 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
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 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
