1985 Fiat 126 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1985 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Elise weights approximately 262 kg more than 1985 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat 126 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
