1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Elise weights approximately 234 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89.3 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 31 L |
