1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 1222 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (279 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 1996 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 1996 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 7 | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2960 mm |
