2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Renault 19
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Renault 19. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Renault 19 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 138 more horse power than 1989 Renault 19. (92 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 19. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 19 weights approximately 505 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, 1989 Renault 19, 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 19. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 19.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1989 Renault 19 | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | 7 | 19 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2560 mm |
