2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1978 Opel Manta
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Opel Manta. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Manta weights approximately 610 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, 1978 Opel Manta (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Manta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1978 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 7 | Manta |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
