1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lotus Elite is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Abarth 1600 (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 316 kg more than 1963 Abarth 1600.
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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Abarth 1600. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Abarth 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Abarth | Lotus |
| Model | 1600 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2490 mm |
