1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1980 Talbot 1510
To start off, 1980 Talbot 1510 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Talbot 1510 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1980 Talbot 1510. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1980 Talbot 1510. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Talbot 1510 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Because 1959 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Talbot 1510, 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, 1980 Talbot 1510 (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Talbot 1510 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1980 Talbot 1510 | |
| Make | Lotus | Talbot |
| Model | Elite | 1510 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
