1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2007 Saleen S7
To start off, 2007 Saleen S7 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 679 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Saleen S7 weights approximately 667 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 2007 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 845 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Saleen S7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2007 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saleen |
| Model | Elite | S7 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2692 mm |
