2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1971 Fiat 500
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 500 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1971 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 1850 mm |
