1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic 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 8 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 492 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 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 (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | Super 7 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 45 L |
