1997 Fiat Punto vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Fiat Punto is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1997 Fiat Punto. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Fiat Punto weights approximately 135 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 Lotus Elise 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Fiat Punto. (83 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Fiat Punto | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Fiat | Lotus |
Model | Punto | Elise |
Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 83 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 705 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |