2001 Acura RL vs. 1970 Lotus Seven
To start off, 2001 Acura RL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 1085 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, 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, 2001 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven. 2001 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1970 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1970 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 1970 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Acura | Lotus |
| Model | RL | Seven |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 34 L |
