1972 Fiat 850 vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1972 Fiat 850 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 850.
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, 1958 Lotus Elite (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1958 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 850 | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 850 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2240 mm |
