1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1990 Porsche Pan Americana
To start off, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana is newer by 33 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Porsche Pan Americana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana (247 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Porsche Pan Americana weights approximately 726 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana (310 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1990 Porsche Pan Americana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1990 Porsche Pan Americana | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Seven | Pan Americana |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2280 mm |
