1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1986 Fiat Panda
To start off, 1995 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Panda. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Fiat Panda weights approximately 256 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1995 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 1995 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Fiat Panda, 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, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat Panda. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham Super 7 | 1986 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | Super 7 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1302 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 20.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 130 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 | 554 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 32 L |
