1972 Innocenti Mini vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1972 Innocenti Mini 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 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Innocenti Mini is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1972 Innocenti Mini. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1972 Innocenti Mini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Innocenti Mini weights approximately 92 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Because 1958 Lotus Elite is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Innocenti Mini, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 Innocenti Mini (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Innocenti Mini will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Innocenti Mini | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Innocenti | Lotus |
| Model | Mini | Elite |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 672 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2240 mm |
