1974 Fiat 126 vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 595 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 126 | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 73 L |
