1959 Autobianchi Bianchina vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Elise weights approximately 442 kg more than 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina. 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina. (30 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Autobianchi | Lotus |
| Model | Bianchina | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2990 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2299 mm |
