1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 17 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 113 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 653 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, 2009 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1992 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1992 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | Super 7 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1799 cc |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1193 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
