1969 Fiat 124 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 124. (60 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 210 kg more than 1969 Fiat 124. 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 124 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 124 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 67 L |
