1974 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 84 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 131 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 44 L |
