1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1999 Toyota Solara
To start off, 1999 Toyota Solara 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 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota Solara (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Solara weights approximately 870 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, 1999 Toyota Solara, 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, 1999 Toyota Solara (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota Solara 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 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | Super 7 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 90.9 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2680 mm |
