1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1989 Toyota Carina
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 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Carina 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 26 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota Carina weights approximately 485 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, 1989 Toyota Carina, 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Carina. (139 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1989 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | Super 7 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 61 L |
