1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Daihatsu Applause
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Daihatsu Applause. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Daihatsu Applause would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Daihatsu Applause is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Daihatsu Applause weights approximately 447 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Daihatsu Applause, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Daihatsu Applause. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Daihatsu Applause.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1989 Daihatsu Applause | |
| Make | Caterham | Daihatsu |
| Model | 7 | Applause |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
