1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1986 Honda Civic
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Civic 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 126 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Honda Civic weights approximately 360 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, 1986 Honda Civic, 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1986 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | Super 7 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2210 mm |
