1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Caterham Super 7 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 62 more horse power than 2006 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lotus Elise weights approximately 246 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | Super 7 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 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 | 540 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2310 mm |
