1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 196 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Seven | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | Santana |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
