1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1962 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1500.
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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (109 Nm). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 1500 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2140 mm |
