2007 Fiat Idea vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 Fiat Idea is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Fiat Idea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2007 Fiat Idea. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Fiat Idea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Fiat Idea weights approximately 261 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Fiat Idea (261 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Fiat Idea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Fiat Idea | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Idea | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 59 L |
