1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 20 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 1290 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 567 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 | 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | Super 7 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 61 L |
