1970 Lotus Seven vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 455 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, 1984 Volkswagen Passat, 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1970 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
