1970 Lotus Seven vs. 1990 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1990 Nissan Santana is newer by 20 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 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Nissan Santana weights approximately 480 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Nissan Santana, 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, 1990 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Nissan Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 1990 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Seven | Santana |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1990 |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2560 mm |
