2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Lancia Gamma

To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Gamma would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Gamma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Gamma. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Gamma weights approximately 439 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.

Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Gamma, 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, 1981 Lancia Gamma (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Gamma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise. 1981 Lancia Gamma has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Lancia Gamma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2007 Lotus Elise 1981 Lancia Gamma
Make Lotus Lancia
Model Elise Gamma
Year Released 2007 1981
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 1995 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 120 HP 116 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 169 Nm 175 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80 mm 84.1 mm
Engine Stroke Size 89.3 mm 90 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 881 kg 1320 kg
Vehicle Length 3790 mm 4580 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1120 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2310 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 32 L 59 L