1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2001 Skoda Fabia
To start off, 2001 Skoda Fabia is newer by 5 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 39 more horse power than 2001 Skoda Fabia. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Skoda Fabia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Skoda Fabia weights approximately 592 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, 2001 Skoda Fabia, 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Skoda Fabia. (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Skoda Fabia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2001 Skoda Fabia | |
| Make | Caterham | Skoda |
| Model | 7 | Fabia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 45 L |
