1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 13 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. (143 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 726 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, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | Super 7 | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 94.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
