1988 Austin Montego vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Austin Montego would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Austin Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1988 Austin Montego. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Austin Montego weights approximately 600 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Austin Montego, 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Montego. (158 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Montego | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | Montego | 7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 163 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2230 mm |
