1969 Lotus Seven vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 36 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 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Seven. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 274 kg more than 1969 Lotus Seven. 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Seven. (123 Nm). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Seven | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Seven | Exige |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 576 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
