2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 800 kg more than 2004 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | 7 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2430 mm |
