1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1968 Abarth 1300 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Abarth 1300 (124 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Abarth 1300 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Abarth 1300. (131 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Abarth | Lotus |
| Model | 1300 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 45 L |
