2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 198 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Elise | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
