1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1970 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 477 kg more than 1970 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1970 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Seven |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1067 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 34 L |
