1954 Fiat 1400 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1954 Fiat 1400. (39 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1954 Fiat 1400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Fiat 1400 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Fiat 1400. (134 Nm). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Fiat 1400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Fiat 1400 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 1400 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1901 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 20.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2440 mm |
