1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 46 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lotus Elise weights approximately 396 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Fiat 500 | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Fiat | Lotus |
Model | 500 | Elise |
Year Released | 1962 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
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 | 881 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 32 L |