1973 Fiat 126 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1973 Fiat 126 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 270 kg more than 1973 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 126 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 45 L |
