1961 Fiat Cabriolet vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 40 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Fiat Cabriolet weights approximately 251 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
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, 2001 Lotus Elise (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat Cabriolet | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Cabriolet | Elise |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 38 L |
