2009 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto is newer by 38 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 52 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Grande Punto. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Grande Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Grande Punto weights approximately 295 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
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, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto, 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, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto (190 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Grande Punto | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Grande Punto | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1247 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
