1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1988 Fiat Tipo
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat Tipo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat Tipo would be higher. At 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Fiat Tipo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Fiat Tipo (138 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Fiat Tipo should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Fiat Tipo weights approximately 590 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.
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, 1988 Fiat Tipo, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat Tipo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1988 Fiat Tipo | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | Super 7 | Tipo |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 79.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2550 mm |
