1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 5 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | Super 7 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 51 L |
