2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda 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 67 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lotus Elan weights approximately 10 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Panda, 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Panda | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | 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 | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 59 L |
