1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1988 Toyota Carina is newer by 31 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (97 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Carina weights approximately 330 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, 1988 Toyota Carina, 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Seven | Carina |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2530 mm |
