1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1961 Renault Dauphine
To start off, 1971 Lotus Seven is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 1,340 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1961 Renault Dauphine. (33 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1961 Renault Dauphine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Renault Dauphine weights approximately 38 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven.
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, 1971 Lotus Seven (92 Nm) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Renault Dauphine. (46 Nm). This means 1971 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Renault Dauphine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Seven | 1961 Renault Dauphine | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Seven | Dauphine |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 46 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 54.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 38 L |
