2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1979 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1979 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 149 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1979 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Elise | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| 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 | 896 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
