1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Tata Indigo
To start off, 2012 Tata Indigo 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2012 Tata Indigo. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Tata Indigo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Tata Indigo weights approximately 662 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, 2012 Tata Indigo, 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Tata Indigo. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Tata Indigo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2012 Tata Indigo | |
| Make | Caterham | Tata |
| Model | 7 | Indigo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1405 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 42 L |
