2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 308 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 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1988 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2300 mm |
