1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1989 Ford Escort
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort 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 @ 6200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort.
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, 1989 Ford Escort, 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1989 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | Super 7 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 54 L |
