1974 Fiat 126 vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1974 Fiat 126 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Lotus Seven weights approximately 170 kg more than 1974 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, 1957 Lotus Seven (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 126 | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 29 L |
