1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 11 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), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 306 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (135 Nm) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Seven | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1982 |
| 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 | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
