1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1971 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lotus Elise weights approximately 120 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.
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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1971 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Seven |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2240 mm |
