1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1980 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1995 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 550 kg more than 1995 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, 1980 Lotus Eclat (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham Super 7 | 1980 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | Super 7 | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 554 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 67 L |
