1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 1058 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.
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, 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 7 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2740 mm |
