1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lotus Elan weights approximately 360 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 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 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | Super 7 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1971 |
| 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 | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 59 L |
