1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 48 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 1,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (433 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 411 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 1396 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 453 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 2010 Lotus Elise has automatic transmission and 1962 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1962 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Lotus Elise will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 433 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 86 L |
