1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (62 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 275 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 1200 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
