1971 Austin 1800 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1971 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 1800 weights approximately 734 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Austin 1800, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 1800 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | 1800 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2230 mm |
