1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Toyota Camry
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Camry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Camry would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Toyota Camry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Camry. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Camry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota Camry weights approximately 702 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 Toyota Camry, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Camry. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Camry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1989 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 7 | Camry |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
