1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1998 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 2 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 512 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1998 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1998 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Caterham | Suzuki |
| Model | 7 | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 42 L |
