1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 1978 Triumph TR7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Triumph TR7 (106 HP) has 23 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Triumph TR7 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. 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, 1978 Triumph TR7 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph TR7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Elite | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 106 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
