1972 Fiat 126 vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 487 kg more than 1972 Fiat 126. 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 126 | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 31 L |
