1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1978 Fiat 126
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 126 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 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 126 weights approximately 75 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 (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1978 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | Super 7 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 651 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 1850 mm |
