1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1959 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Seven. (74 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 786 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:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1959 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Seven |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6250 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 | 1206 kg | 420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2240 mm |
