2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1980 Reliant GTC
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant GTC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant GTC would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant GTC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1980 Reliant GTC. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant GTC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant GTC weights approximately 850 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, 1980 Reliant GTC (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant GTC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1980 Reliant GTC | |
| Make | Caterham | Reliant |
| Model | 7 | GTC |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| 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 | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2640 mm |
