1999 Fiat Coupe vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Fiat Coupe is newer by 3 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, 1999 Fiat Coupe (130 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Coupe should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Fiat Coupe weights approximately 475 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Fiat Coupe, 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Fiat Coupe. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Fiat Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Fiat Coupe | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Coupe | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
