1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2011 Seat Leon
To start off, 2011 Seat Leon 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Seat Leon (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Seat Leon weights approximately 824 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 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, 2011 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | Super 7 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 229 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 | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4330 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 |
