2006 Fiat Croma vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Fiat Croma is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Fiat Croma (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Croma weights approximately 715 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Croma, 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, 2006 Fiat Croma (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Croma | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Croma | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
