1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 47 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP) has 109 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1500 weights approximately 204 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 1500 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 189 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 40 L |
