1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Tercel weights approximately 320 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1992 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 1992 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | Super 7 | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
