1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 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 688 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, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
1995 Caterham Super 7 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Caterham | Ford |
Model | Super 7 | Contour |
Year Released | 1995 | 1997 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 156 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.8 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 554 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |