1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 1600. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 1600.
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, 2009 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 1600. (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Abarth | Lotus |
| Model | 1600 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 44 L |
