1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 340 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige 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 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | Super 7 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| 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 | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
