1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 11 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 800 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 2002 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | Super 7 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
