1970 Lotus Seven vs. 1990 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1990 Suzuki Samurai 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 1,340 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 340 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Because 1990 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Lotus Seven. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 1990 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Seven | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2490 mm |
