1957 Lotus Seven vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 45 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 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 590 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Seven | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2430 mm |
