1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 Citroen AX
To start off, 1997 Citroen AX is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. 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 90 more horse power than 1997 Citroen AX. (48 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen AX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen AX weights approximately 190 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, 1997 Citroen AX, 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen AX. (74 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen AX.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Caterham 7 | 1997 Citroen AX | |
Make | Caterham | Citroen |
Model | 7 | AX |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 954 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 48 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 156 Nm | 74 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 668 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2290 mm |