1969 Fiat 500 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 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 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 (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 557 kg more than 1969 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 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 | 510 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 31 L |
