1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 372 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise 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 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Caterham | Lotus |
Model | Super 7 | Elise |
Year Released | 1995 | 2011 |
Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 156 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 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 | 554 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 44 L |