1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1980 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 weights approximately 194 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 Caterham Super 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 will offer significantly more control. 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1980 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Caterham | Suzuki |
| Model | Super 7 | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 537 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 1940 mm |
