1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Samurai 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 180 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1957 Lotus Seven. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1957 Lotus Seven (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Seven | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2490 mm |
