1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 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 96 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lotus Elise weights approximately 165 kg more than 1980 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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 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 | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
