1957 Lotus Seven vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 355 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo, 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 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | Polo |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| 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 | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 45 L |
