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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Seat Leon (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 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 750 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 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 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 | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 210 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 | 1260 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 |
