1972 Fiat 125 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 125. (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 125 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
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, 2002 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 125. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 125.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 125 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 125 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 960 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
