1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Lexus GS
To start off, 2012 Lexus GS is newer by 16 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus GS (340 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus GS weights approximately 1397 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Lexus GS (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2012 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Caterham | Lexus |
| Model | 7 | GS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 65 L |
