1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1974 Fiat 131
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1974 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | Super 7 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2500 mm |
