1965 Fiat Cabriolet vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat Cabriolet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat Cabriolet would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1965 Fiat Cabriolet. (62 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat Cabriolet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Fiat Cabriolet weights approximately 1 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat Cabriolet. (94 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat Cabriolet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat Cabriolet | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Cabriolet | Elan |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 59 L |
