2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Dodge Spirit
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Dodge Spirit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Dodge Spirit would be higher. At 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Dodge Spirit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 856 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit, 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit (244 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1988 Dodge Spirit | |
| Make | Caterham | Dodge |
| Model | 7 | Spirit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2630 mm |
