1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1989 Rover 216
To start off, 1989 Rover 216 is newer by 32 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Rover 216 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1989 Rover 216. (114 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1989 Rover 216. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Rover 216 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, 1989 Rover 216, 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Rover 216. (141 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Rover 216.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1989 Rover 216 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Seven | 216 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2550 mm |
