1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1961 Maserati 3500
To start off, 1961 Maserati 3500 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,485 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Maserati 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Maserati 3500 (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Maserati 3500 should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Maserati 3500 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. 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, 1961 Maserati 3500 (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1961 Maserati 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 1961 Maserati 3500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Elite | 3500 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 3485 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
