1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 521 kg more than 1964 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1986 |
| 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 | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 546 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 31 L |
