1961 Fiat Cabriolet vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1966 Lotus Elan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat Cabriolet would be higher. At 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. (62 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Fiat Cabriolet weights approximately 194 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. (94 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat Cabriolet | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Cabriolet | Elan |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 45 L |
