1959 Lotus Seven vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Seven. (36 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 627 kg more than 1959 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Seven | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Seven | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 947 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| 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 | 440 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2490 mm |
