1998 Lancia Kappa vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1998 Lancia Kappa is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lancia Kappa (201 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 935 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1998 Lancia Kappa (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lancia Kappa | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Kappa | Elite |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2240 mm |
