1981 Fiat 126 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1981 Fiat 126 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Lotus Elan weights approximately 5 kg more than 1981 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, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 126 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2140 mm |
