1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 131 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
