2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 660 kg more than 2000 Caterham 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
2000 Caterham 7 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Caterham | Lotus |
Model | 7 | Esprit |
Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 230 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2440 mm |