1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1983 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Honda Ballade 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) has 53 more horse power than 1983 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Honda Ballade weights approximately 275 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1991 Caterham Super 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 1991 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Honda Ballade, 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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Ballade. 1983 Honda Ballade has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1983 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | Super 7 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2330 mm |
