1982 Fiat 131 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1982 Fiat 131 is newer by 20 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 30 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Fiat 131 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 131 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 131 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 108 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 | 1025 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2140 mm |
