1970 Lotus Seven vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1998 Renault Safrane is newer by 28 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 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Safrane (113 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 1110 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, 1998 Renault Safrane, 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, 1998 Renault Safrane (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven. 1998 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 1970 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1970 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Seven | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
