1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1996 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1996 Honda Ballade is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 31 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Ballade weights approximately 580 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, 1996 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1996 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | Super 7 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 52 L |
