1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Civic weights approximately 736 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, 2011 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, 2011 Honda Civic (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | Super 7 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
