1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe weights approximately 747 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.
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, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | Caterham | Mini |
| Model | 7 | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
