1959 Lotus Seven vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Toyota Corolla is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Corolla (132 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Seven. (36 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 1244 kg more than 1959 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Corolla, 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. 2009 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Seven | 2009 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Seven | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 947 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3280 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
