1969 Lotus Seven vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 39 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Seven. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lotus Elise weights approximately 209 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (168 Nm) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Seven. (123 Nm). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Seven | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Seven | Elise |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 38 L |
