1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1993 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1993 Lotus Elan is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Elan (164 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lotus Elan weights approximately 450 kg more than 1960 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Abarth 850 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 1960 Abarth 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Elan, 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, 1993 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1993 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Abarth | Lotus |
| Model | 850 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2260 mm |
