1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 15 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 2,262 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1415 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 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Caterham Super 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner 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 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | Super 7 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 62 L |
