1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,127 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 1277 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, 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-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. 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 7 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 3030 mm |
