1994 Fiat Punto vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Fiat Punto is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1994 Fiat Punto. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1994 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Fiat Punto weights approximately 50 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Fiat Punto, 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Fiat Punto. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Fiat Punto | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Punto | Elan |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 159 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 59 L |
