1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 17 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 672 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, 2008 Honda Civic, 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, 2008 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic 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 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | Super 7 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
