1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1999 Toyota Solara
To start off, 1999 Toyota Solara is newer by 7 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 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota Solara (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1992 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Solara weights approximately 834 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Toyota Solara, 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, 1999 Toyota Solara (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (130 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1999 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | Super 7 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
