1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Caterham Super 7 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 116 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 702 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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | Super 7 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
