1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 42 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 53 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 410 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | Golf |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2520 mm |
