1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1957 Riley 1.5
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Riley 1.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Riley 1.5 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Riley 1.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1957 Riley 1.5. (63 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 1.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Riley 1.5 weights approximately 389 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (130 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Riley 1.5. (112 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Riley 1.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1957 Riley 1.5 | |
| Make | Caterham | Riley |
| Model | Super 7 | 1.5 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 31 L |
