1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 737 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2560 mm |
