1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1986 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1986 Nissan Santana is newer by 29 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan Santana weights approximately 320 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Because 1957 Lotus Seven 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 1957 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Nissan Santana, 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, 1957 Lotus Seven (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Santana. 1986 Nissan Santana has automatic transmission and 1957 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1957 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Nissan Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1986 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Seven | Santana |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1986 |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2560 mm |
