1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 705 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, 2008 Mini Cooper, 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 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Caterham | Mini |
| Model | Super 7 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
