2006 Fiat Panda vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Fiat Panda 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Panda weights approximately 505 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 2006 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Fiat Panda. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Panda | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Panda | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 59 L |
