1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1999 Citroen C 15
To start off, 1999 Citroen C 15 is newer by 3 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 1,748 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Citroen C 15 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1999 Citroen C 15. (59 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen C 15. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen C 15 weights approximately 467 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, 1999 Citroen C 15, 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Citroen C 15. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Citroen C 15.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1999 Citroen C 15 | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | C 15 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1748 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 54 L |
