1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Pontiac Fiero
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Fiero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Fiero would be higher. At 2,826 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Fiero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Fiero (143 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Fiero should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Fiero weights approximately 772 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, 1988 Pontiac Fiero (220 Nm) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm). This means 1988 Pontiac Fiero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1988 Pontiac Fiero 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. 1988 Pontiac Fiero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1988 Pontiac Fiero | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | 7 | Fiero |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2826 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2380 mm |
