1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1971 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 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 1,367 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 456 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Fiat 131 (108 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1981 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1971 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 131 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2240 mm |
