1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 Peugeot 308
To start off, 2008 Peugeot 308 is newer by 12 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 44 more horse power than 2008 Peugeot 308. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Peugeot 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Peugeot 308 weights approximately 860 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, 2008 Peugeot 308, 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Peugeot 308. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Peugeot 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2008 Peugeot 308 | |
| Make | Caterham | Peugeot |
| Model | 7 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
