1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2001 Kia Rio
To start off, 2001 Kia Rio is newer by 10 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 (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2001 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Kia Rio weights approximately 415 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, 2001 Kia Rio, 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 (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2001 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | Super 7 | Rio |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2420 mm |
