1981 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 193 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
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, 2012 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 131 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2299 mm |
