1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Toyota Starlet
To start off, both 1996 Caterham 7 and 1996 Toyota Starlet were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Starlet weights approximately 278 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, 1996 Toyota Starlet, 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1996 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 7 | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
