1969 Lotus Seven vs. 1998 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1998 Toyota Carina is newer by 29 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Seven (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Carina weights approximately 549 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, 1998 Toyota Carina, 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, 1998 Toyota Carina (136 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Seven. (123 Nm). This means 1998 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Seven | 1998 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Seven | Carina |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 576 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2590 mm |
