2008 Lotus Exige vs. 1969 Lotus Seven
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Seven. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lotus Exige weights approximately 340 kg more than 1969 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, 2008 Lotus Exige (180 Nm) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Seven. (123 Nm). This means 2008 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 1969 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Seven |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 916 kg | 576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
