1947 Austin 16 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1947 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1947 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1947 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1947 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1947 Austin 16 weights approximately 740 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1947 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1947 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1947 Austin 16 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | 16 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1947 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2230 mm |
