1980 Fiat 126 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 341 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2299 mm |
