1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 276 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, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Seven | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2430 mm |
