1997 Lancia Delta vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1997 Lancia Delta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1997 Lancia Delta. (102 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1997 Lancia Delta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lancia Delta weights approximately 160 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Because 1974 Lotus Elite 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 1974 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Lancia Delta, 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lancia Delta. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lancia Delta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lancia Delta | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Delta | Elite |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
