1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 1997 Toyota Avensis 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Avensis. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Avensis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 772 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 Toyota Avensis, 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, 1997 Toyota Avensis (186 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Avensis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1997 Toyota Avensis 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. 1997 Toyota Avensis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1997 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 7 | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
