1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (64 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Fiat 1300 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (93 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 1300 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 36 L |
