2005 Fiat Idea vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Fiat Idea is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Idea. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Idea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Fiat Idea weights approximately 454 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Idea, 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, 2005 Fiat Idea (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Fiat Idea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Idea | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Idea | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 159 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 45 L |
