1987 Fiat Regata vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1987 Fiat Regata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1987 Fiat Regata. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1987 Fiat Regata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Fiat Regata weights approximately 70 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Fiat Regata, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Fiat Regata. (102 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Fiat Regata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Fiat Regata | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Regata | Elan |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
