1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lotus Elite is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 64 kg more than 1972 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 124 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2490 mm |
