1969 Lotus Seven vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 1989 Renault 21 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Seven (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1989 Renault 21. (92 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 21 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1969 Lotus Seven.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21, 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, 1989 Renault 21 (135 Nm) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Seven. (123 Nm). This means 1989 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Seven | 1989 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Seven | 21 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 576 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2550 mm |
