1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2009 Kia Magentis
To start off, 2009 Kia Magentis is newer by 14 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Magentis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Kia Magentis. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Magentis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Magentis weights approximately 924 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, 2009 Kia Magentis, 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, 2009 Kia Magentis (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Magentis 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 | 2009 Kia Magentis | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | Super 7 | Magentis |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| 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 | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 65 L |
