1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1983 Honda Civic
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 Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Honda Civic 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 25 more horse power than 1983 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Honda Civic 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 Civic, 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 (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Civic. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1983 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | Super 7 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 40 L |
