1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 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 (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 823 kg more than 1974 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 (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 73 L |
