1973 Fiat 124 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1973 Fiat 124 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP) has 56 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Fiat 124 weights approximately 234 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 124 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 124 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
