1998 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Fiat Barchetta (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 179 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Fiat Barchetta | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Barchetta | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2310 mm |
