1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1954 Porsche 356
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1954 Porsche 356. (110 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1954 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Porsche 356 weights approximately 302 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Porsche 356. (133 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1954 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Caterham | Porsche |
| Model | 7 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 79 L |
