1975 Austin 1800 vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1975 Austin 1800 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1975 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1975 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Austin 1800 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Because 1957 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 1957 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Austin 1800, 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, 1957 Lotus Seven (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Austin 1800 | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 1800 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 29 L |
