2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1971 Saab 99
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Saab 99 would be higher. At 1,853 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1971 Saab 99. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1971 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Saab 99 weights approximately 680 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 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 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Saab 99, 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, 1971 Saab 99 (147 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1971 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1971 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Caterham | Saab |
| Model | 7 | 99 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1853 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2480 mm |
