1963 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 660 kg more than 1963 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 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 | 540 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 71 L |
