2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 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 47 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 486 kg more than 2000 Caterham 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | 7 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 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 | 440 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2299 mm |
