2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
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 Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1146 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2880 mm |
