1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1972 Fiat 124 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 124 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 124 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| 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 | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
