1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 130 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Abarth | Lotus |
| Model | 700 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 570 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
