1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1985 Seat Malaga
To start off, 1985 Seat Malaga is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1985 Seat Malaga. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1985 Seat Malaga. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 85 kg more than 1985 Seat Malaga. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Elite is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Seat Malaga, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Seat Malaga. (114 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Seat Malaga.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 1985 Seat Malaga | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elite | Malaga |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 67.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2450 mm |
