1981 Fiat Strada vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Strada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Strada would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Strada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Strada. (125 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Strada weights approximately 194 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Strada, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Fiat Strada (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Strada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Strada | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Strada | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
