1970 Lotus Seven vs. 2003 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2003 Opel Speedster is newer by 33 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Speedster (145 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Speedster weights approximately 286 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Opel Speedster (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 2003 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Seven | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 36 L |
