1987 BMW Z1 vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1987 BMW Z1 is newer by 30 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW Z1 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1987 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z1 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2190 mm |
