1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 605 kg more than 1961 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Abarth | Lotus |
| Model | 600 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 595 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 71 L |
