1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 31 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 438 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Seven |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 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 | 1188 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 29 L |
