1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO would be higher. At 2,855 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (395 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO weights approximately 747 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (506 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO | |
| Make | Caterham | Ferrari |
| Model | 7 | 288 GTO |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2855 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 506 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 305 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 120 L |
