1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 Lotus Elan is newer by 35 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), 1992 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Lotus Elan weights approximately 270 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.
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, 1992 Lotus Elan, 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, 1992 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1992 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Seven | Elan |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| 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 | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2260 mm |
