1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1977 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1977 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1977 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1722 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1977 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1977 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1977 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 1977 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1977 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | 7 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 3300 mm |
