2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat 500 weights approximately 336 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500, 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 500 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 45 L |
