1969 Austin Mini Clubman vs. 1970 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1970 Lotus Seven is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Austin Mini Clubman would be higher. At 1,340 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (39 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Austin Mini Clubman weights approximately 48 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Because 1970 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 1970 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Austin Mini Clubman, 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, 1970 Lotus Seven (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1970 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin Mini Clubman | 1970 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Mini Clubman | Seven |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 638 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 34 L |
