1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1981 Renault 14
To start off, 1981 Renault 14 is newer by 10 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 1,340 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Renault 14. (57 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 14. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 14 weights approximately 271 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Renault 14, 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, both vehicles can yield 92 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Seven | 1981 Renault 14 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Seven | 14 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1218 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 48 L |
