1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1987 Renault 21
To start off, 1987 Renault 21 is newer by 16 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Renault 21 weights approximately 596 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, 1987 Renault 21, 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, 1987 Renault 21 (270 Nm) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1987 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Seven | 1987 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Seven | 21 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
