1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1989 Ford Escort
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort 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 190 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (61 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Escort weights approximately 345 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, 1989 Ford Escort, 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1989 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | Super 7 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 61 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 149 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
