1988 Fiat 126 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, both 1988 Fiat 126 and 1988 Lotus Esprit were released in the same year (1988). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 540 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 31 L |
