1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 379 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | Super 7 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 59 L |
