2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 620 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, 1996 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 1996 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1996 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2280 mm |
