1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1996 Proton 400
To start off, 1996 Proton 400 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 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Proton 400 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Proton 400 weights approximately 555 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, 1996 Proton 400, 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, 1996 Proton 400 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Proton 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1996 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Caterham | Proton |
| Model | Super 7 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
