1970 Lotus Seven vs. 2010 Fiat 500
To start off, 2010 Fiat 500 is newer by 40 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 11 more horse power than 2010 Fiat 500. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 2010 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Fiat 500 weights approximately 465 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, 2010 Fiat 500, 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, 2010 Fiat 500 (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 2010 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Fiat |
| Model | Seven | 500 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 35 L |
