1974 Lancia Stratos vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lancia Stratos is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Stratos weights approximately 400 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 1974 Lancia Stratos (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Stratos | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Stratos | Elite |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 29 L |
