1970 Lotus Seven vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 41 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 832 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
