1971 Austin 3 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 1020 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 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | 3 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2230 mm |
