1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lotus Elise weights approximately 144 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Abarth | Lotus |
| Model | 700 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| 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 | 45 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 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 | 570 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
