1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 440 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise 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 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Caterham | Lotus |
Model | Super 7 | Elise |
Year Released | 1991 | 2009 |
Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 84 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 181 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 85 mm |
Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 241 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 | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 40 L |