1970 Lotus Seven vs. 1997 Renault Clio
To start off, 1997 Renault Clio is newer by 27 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 26 more horse power than 1997 Renault Clio. (59 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Clio weights approximately 265 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, 1997 Renault Clio, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Clio. (85 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 1997 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Seven | Clio |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 38 L |
