1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1963 Lotus Elan is newer by 6 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 26 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Lotus Seven weights approximately 156 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. 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, 1957 Lotus Seven (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elan | Seven |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 29 L |
