2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1981 Triumph TR7. (91 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Triumph TR7. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Lotus Elise | 1981 Triumph TR7 | |
Make | Lotus | Triumph |
Model | Elise | TR7 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
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 | 218 HP | 91 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 212 Nm | 211 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1015 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 |