1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 520 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | Super 7 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 190 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 | 540 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2490 mm |
