1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2008 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Seat Leon. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 780 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 Seat Leon, 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 Seat Leon (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon 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 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | Super 7 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 185 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 | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
