2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1979 GMC Suburban
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1740 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1979 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Caterham | GMC |
| Model | 7 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3300 mm |
