2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP) has 117 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 525 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 (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2500 mm |
