1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1979 Isuzu 117
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Isuzu 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Isuzu 117 would be higher. At 2,236 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Isuzu 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1979 Isuzu 117. (72 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Isuzu 117. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Isuzu 117 weights approximately 675 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Isuzu 117. (139 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Isuzu 117.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1979 Isuzu 117 | |
| Make | Caterham | Isuzu |
| Model | Super 7 | 117 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2236 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 56 L |
