1960 Abarth 600 vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 600. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elise weights approximately 120 kg more than 1960 Abarth 600. 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 600 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Abarth | Lotus |
| Model | 600 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 Weight | 585 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
