1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Elan weights approximately 510 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.
Because 1991 Caterham Super 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1991 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 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 | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | Super 7 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 65 L |
