1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 317 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Seven |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 29 L |
