2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 120 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 1991 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1991 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 | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Panda | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2260 mm |
