1966 Fiat Cabriolet vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat Cabriolet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat Cabriolet would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1966 Fiat Cabriolet. (62 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat Cabriolet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Fiat Cabriolet weights approximately 185 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat Cabriolet. (94 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat Cabriolet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat Cabriolet | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Cabriolet | Elise |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 40 L |
