1990 Fiat 126 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Fiat 126 is newer by 21 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 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1990 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1990 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 244 kg more than 1990 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Fiat 126 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 126 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
