1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Fiat 500

To start off, 2013 Fiat 500 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2013 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2013 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Fiat 500 weights approximately 202 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.

Because 1971 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Fiat 500.

Compare all specifications:

1971 Lotus Elan 2013 Fiat 500
Make Lotus Fiat
Model Elan 500
Year Released 1971 2013
Body Type Convertible Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1558 cc 1368 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 126 HP 101 HP
Engine RPM 6500 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 153 Nm 133 Nm
Torque RPM 5500 RPM 4000 RPM
Top Speed 193 km/hour 182 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 5-speed manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 870 kg 1072 kg
Vehicle Length 4270 mm 3546 mm
Vehicle Width 1620 mm 1628 mm
Vehicle Height 1200 mm 1519 mm
Wheelbase Size 2440 mm 2301 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 59 L 40 L


 

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