1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1997 Seat Marbella
To start off, 1997 Seat Marbella is newer by 39 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 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1997 Seat Marbella. (40 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1997 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Seat Marbella weights approximately 100 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Because 1958 Lotus Elite is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Seat Marbella, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1958 Lotus Elite (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Seat Marbella. (60 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1958 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Seat Marbella.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lotus Elite | 1997 Seat Marbella | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elite | Marbella |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2170 mm |
