1958 Fiat 500 vs. 1960 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1960 Lotus Elite is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Lotus Elite weights approximately 112 kg more than 1958 Fiat 500. 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, 1960 Lotus Elite (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1960 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 1960 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 29 L |
