1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 790 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2440 mm |
