1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1999 Lexus IS
To start off, 1999 Lexus IS is newer by 8 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lexus IS weights approximately 890 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Lexus IS (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Lexus IS 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 | 1999 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Caterham | Lexus |
| Model | Super 7 | IS |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 70 L |
