1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1985 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac 1000 weights approximately 482 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1985 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | 7 | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2400 mm |
