1962 Fiat Cabriolet vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat Cabriolet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat Cabriolet would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1962 Fiat Cabriolet. (62 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat Cabriolet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 130 kg more than 1962 Fiat Cabriolet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Fiat Cabriolet is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1962 Fiat Cabriolet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat Cabriolet. (94 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat Cabriolet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat Cabriolet | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Cabriolet | Elan |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2260 mm |
