1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1966 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1966 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP) has 73 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1957 Lotus Seven (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1966 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 40 L |
