1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1979 Triumph TR7
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 130 kg more than 1979 Triumph TR7. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1979 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Esprit | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 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 | 1175 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2170 mm |
