1957 Lotus Seven vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 51 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 600 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 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1957 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1957 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | Passat |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
