1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 650 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 31 L |
