1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2001 Vauxhall Zafira
To start off, 2001 Vauxhall Zafira 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Vauxhall Zafira is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2001 Vauxhall Zafira. (100 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Vauxhall Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Vauxhall Zafira weights approximately 1007 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 Vauxhall Zafira, 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, 2001 Vauxhall Zafira (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Vauxhall Zafira will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2001 Vauxhall Zafira | |
| Make | Caterham | Vauxhall |
| Model | 7 | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2700 mm |
