1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 18 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 951 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, 2009 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, 2009 Honda Civic (189 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | Super 7 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
