1997 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 40 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Fiat Barchetta | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Barchetta | Elan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2260 mm |
