1977 Fiat 126 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lotus Elise weights approximately 170 kg more than 1977 Fiat 126. 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 126 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 31 L |
