1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 610 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | Super 7 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 67 L |
