1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1980 Fiat 126 is newer by 21 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 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Fiat 126 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite.
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, 1959 Lotus Elite (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2240 mm |
