1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 28 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), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 690 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| 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 | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2440 mm |
